Sudan denies airstrikes against S. Sudan

KHARTOUM, Sudan, July 21 (UPI) -- The Sudanese government denies bombing South Sudan, saying airstrikes were aimed at rebels in Darfur and the planes did not cross the border.

In South Sudan, local officials told the Sudan Tribune that two people were injured by airstrikes near Aweil, in the northern part of the country.

But Omer Dahab, a spokesman for the Sudanese team involved in negotiations with South Sudan, said militant members of the Justice and Equality Movement in Darfur attempted to attack Sudan through South Sudan, the official news agency SUNA reported. He said all action against them was on Sudanese territory.

Negotiators for the two countries had agreed to a demilitarized zone along the border and to direct talks without mediators from the African Union. Atif Kiir, speaking for the South Sudan delegation, said the group now wants the AU to become involved again.

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